Premium
Clinical Evaluation of Pancarpal Arthrodesis Using a CastLess Plate in 11 Dogs
Author(s) -
CLARKE STEPHEN P.,
FERGUSON JOHN F.,
MILLER ANDREW
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2009.00573.x
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , concomitant , arthrodesis , internal fixation , clinical significance , complication , fixation (population genetics) , carpal joint , wrist , population , alternative medicine , environmental health , pathology
Objective— To describe the use of a 3.5/2.7 mm CastLess Plate (CLP) for pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Dogs with traumatic/degenerative carpal disease (n=11). Methods— Records (September 2006–July 2007) of dogs that had PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP were reviewed to determine intra‐ and postoperative complications and use of external coaptation. Follow‐up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners. Results— Thirteen PCA procedures were performed; 5 intraoperative complications occurred in 4 procedures and included iatrogenic metacarpal fissure fracture (2), inability to remove an alignment pin (1), and poor distal plate position (2). External coaptation was used in 4 dogs: concomitant or iatrogenic injuries (3), bilateral PCA (1), for 3–6 weeks. Clinical evaluation 6–24 weeks postoperatively revealed iatrogenic metacarpal fractures to have healed and that 1 postoperative complication (infection) developed. Telephone follow up for 10 dogs (mean, 14 months; range, 12–20 months) revealed no further problems. Conclusion— PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP reduces the need for external coaptation and seemingly reduces postoperative morbidity associated with other internal fixation techniques. Clinical Relevance— PCA can be performed safely and successfully using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP, with low postoperative morbidity compared with other PCA techniques. Particular attention should be taken when applying the distal component of the plate.